Not Winning!

What a totally sucky day on the sports side of this country. Yes, honestly, no foreigner, in his or her right mind, will bet on our country’s delegates to bring home the gold; but we Filipinos think otherwise. Our lone boxing contender for the Olympics, Harry Tañamor, fought for, what could be, his last chance in the Olympics to make our country proud. Outlook: good chances, probably cream that Ghanian guy in two to three rounds. Result: frustration.

Manyo Plange, that Ghanian guy, supposed to be a warm-up match for our golden boy, broke every Filipinos’ hearts by upsetting Harry 6:3 in 16 rounds. Heart break is an understatement. I’ve always hated boxing (or maybe I just didn’t get it). Two people punching each other with goals to knock out their opponent. What’s the point, really? But if it will provide glory to our country, then that’s a whole different story. I’ve been watching this TV special about our 15 Olympians and in Harry’s segment, they’ve shown what a champion is. He is a champion! World-class, family-man, humble and modest, not like that other guy who lots of people consider a “Philippine Hero” just because he wins multi-million corporate matches and looks ridiculous. Yeah, I’m talking about our flag-bearer, Pacman (in disgust). Sigh.

It doesn’t end there. Mark Javier single-handedly tried to represent Philippine Archery in the Olympics but he succumbed to the Chinese-Taipei archer in the first round. Our swimmers didn’t fare well either. All five of them, including SeaGames 2007 Male Athlete of the Year, Miguel Molina; who, by the way, didn’t finished the day with disappointment as he and fellow swimmer, Christel Simms, broke personal and national records. One of our three best bets, Harry, is out; Tshomlee and Toni, it’s all up to you two.

And finally, to conclude my depressing entry…more losing. My beloved Red Lions yielded to the textbook basketball strategy of the Mapua Cardinals: 53-48. Was working so I relied on online updates so I really can’t give full details, and I really didn’t wanna raze my spirits further by watching the replay. The Bedan community’s take: bad coaching, over confidence, bad luck. Sheesh. The Red Lions are now 6-3 and is currently 3rd in the standings. Still, I know the Grandslam dream is not just a “dream.”

Wow. My sports spirit is really crushed today and I didn’t even broke a sweat. May the coming days be excellent for our remaining Olympians and my Red Lions.

_____________

P.S.: Michael Phelps, U.S.A.’s true-to-life Aquaman, smashed several records and brought home two more gold medals (which makes five) for his country today, just like that. He already broke the Olympic record for most number of gold medal wins...and he’s not even done. The succeeding days after tomorrow, he’ll be competing in three more events and he aims to bring home to bacon on those too. Talk about under-achiever. I salute you, Mikey. And if you ever want to consider, our country’s offering you your own Philippine passport and you don’t even have to suffer through long lines for citizenship. Hehehe.

Amanda Griffin-“Jacobs”?!?!

Just found out that Amanda Griffin got married last July 21 to Hong Kong-based businessman, David Jacobs, on an island in Bali, Indonesia!

From this…

…to this?!?!

Walang hustisya! Why, God? Why? Didn’t we have an understanding?!
Bianca Araneta was already taken away from us and now Amanda?
Who’s next? Georgina? Nicole? What is happening to the world?!
Wag ganun! I think I hear my heart suddenly breaking!!!

2008 Beijing Olympics Opening

Opening ceremonies of 2008 Beijing Olympics probably set the bar for future Olympic openers. Besides the fact that I considered yesterday as a special day for numerical reasons, I also said that 08-08-08 marks the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics. And what a start it was.

I missed the first part of the ceremonies but from what I’ve read so far, I didn’t miss much (except for the box thing which I haven’t seen yet). They kicked off the party at 8:08 p.m. most likely because of China being superstitious, as a couple of 8’s in pairs are supposed to be really lucky. Cool! Anyway, what I got when I tuned in were these kids in the middle of the stadium painting in a huge scroll-like canvas. They were surrounded of hundreds, literally, of tai-chi guys performing what they’re good at, in synch. Oh wow. The aerial view was to die for. Next up, Sarah Brightman and Chinese native Liu Huan performed the 2008 Beijing Olympics official theme, You and Me, on top of a colossal globe, together with suspended around them. It gave me that Cirque de Soleil feeling. Then of course, the parade of the athletes.

Now, this is what it’s all about; unity, togetherness, all vying for one goal. And that was evident in the faces of those who were marching to make their country proud. Times like these, makes one wishes to be an athlete and march along the worlds finest. It is also in this segment where we SHOULD’VE gotten a glimpse of our Filipino Olympians. But what does C/S do? They opted to show commercial breaks that run five minutes long and left the Olympic telecast to probably just a minute and a half. As expected, we almost missed the march of our athletes. When it went back on-air, our country was already called and our constituents were already halfway through their march. Sheesh! Shame on you media bastards! And our country even had the nerve to let Manny Pacquiao be our flag bearer? Please! He’s not even an Olympian. The Olympics using the Mandarin alphabet for order of the countries didn’t help also. Yeah, and we were wearing blue barongs! Cool, right?

The Olympics won’t officially open without the much awaited torch lighting. China opted to fuse old and new traditions and showcased what I think is the best torch-lighting ceremony in the history of modern Olympics. Flame was handed off to several Chinese sporting figures and ended up in the hands of Li Ning, the final torch bearer. He was then hoisted up in the air and made a running gesture all around the stadium, all this time, again, suspended in air. Videos of all the cities of China opening like a scroll followed him while he was going around. And then, he reached this dark spot unbeknownst to the audience and TV viewers to be the Olympic cauldron. With the Olympic torch burning, the scene ended with spectacular massive view of fireworks that really must’ve left the viewers in awe. What a way to end the opening!

I have a good feeling with our country’s campaign for this Olympics. I really wish our athletes take home our first Olympic gold medal that we so rightfully deserve. At this point I would like to say, Mary Antoinette Rivero, I love you. Hehehe. Let the games begin…

Photos | 2008 Beijing Olympics Official Website

08-08-08

Today is a super special day…and I didn’t even realize it till this afternoon when O publicly announced that one should do something special today (knowing O, let’s not ask what). August 8, 2008, or if you wanna be more dramatic: 08-08-08. What happens on this day that people are saying will happen only once-in-a-lifetime? Truthfully, nothing…at least nothing special for me. It’s just that ever since, my favorite number is the number 8.

Lots of speculations and beliefs surrounded the days leading to today. They say this year is supposed to be a lucky year as we’re going to experience a trifecta in numbers in one date. I was just watching the news and they featured a lot of mass weddings and newborn babies. People are so gullible, I mean, superstitious. But it wouldn’t hurt to have some special moment or experience to remember this momentous day, right? Like, say, getting together with that special someone. Hehehe.

08-08-08 also marks the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which, as of writing, is still being shown live on TV. Watched the first part and I was really touched and left in awe. China kicked Atlanta and Athens’ behind when it comes to celebrating the sporting event. But I’m saving my two-cents worth about the opening for tomorrow. It’s all about the eight, baby! After all, eight is said to be the infinite number! Cool, huh! (--,)

Edge of Seventeen

Today marks my sophomore year in this crazyness that is my job. Batch 17 celebrates its second year anniversary in the transcription business. Funny that I still call it Batch 17 as there are only two remaining individuals from that group of promising people: me and Uncle Roi. And the fact of the matter is, with Roi shipped to another vertical, I am the only remaining “Disi-Siete” in our account.

Disi-Siete’s Final Two

Like those before me who celebrated their two-year annivs from the past months, I get the same reactions and statements from people: “Andyan ka pa din?” And with head up high, my normal reply would be, “Yep, why?” Loyalty, one might say. Please! Truth is, I’m just waiting for our account’s dissolution so that I can get my well-deserved separation pay. Happy? Sure, why not? Contented? Of course not. Today also marks the last “batch” who will celebrate their anniversary as members of those two batches after ours are already living the good life in other companies or already happy taking calls in other accounts.

Am I destined to grow old in this god-forsaken account? No, I know won’t be. Just today I received a lengthy phone call from an old friend offering me to transfer to their company with some ridiculously (in a good way) compensation and benefits package. I’m considering it, but then again with it comes adjustments and some definite changes. It’s really hard to turn your back on your comfort zone.

Enough negativity. Even if we’re working in a make-shift hell that is our account, you cannot take away the fact that I met some lifelong friends here: my batchmates. From the last updates I had gotten, here’s what these Disi-Siete people are up to:

Talla – is doing some admin work in a reputable office in Pioneer.
Arnee – email/chat support in Sutherland.
Elgin – photo editor for UNO Magazine.
Rosie – Senior Associate for Headstrong Philippines Inc.
Mau – according to her Friendster, racket-racket…hehe
Arlene – migrated with her husband in Australia.
Mira – I’m sure is happily married and a new mom.
Genn – I think is working in a law firm in Global City.
Shei - I ain’t sure if she’s still in Dubai.
Ria Fe – is still a mom but haven’t heard from her since she resigned.
Ginno and Denise – I don’t know what the hell these two are up to.
And of course, to our beloved Lia who passed away last month, this one’s for you. We miss you most of all.

With Talla and Arnee

Given the fact that our batch weren’t that close with each other, we’re definitely friends, and of course, family. We were filled with hope and excitement that 7th of August of 2006, little did we know…LOL! Seriously though, I know a get-together is a long shot, but I’m hopeful.

For what it’s worth, Happy Anniversary Batch 17.

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Havaianas Metallics

Fifteen months later, last Monday, I got me meself another pair of Havaianas. Well, I have no explanations nor justifications why I bought new flip flops when our country’s obviously winter bound anyways. I don’t know. I’ve just been meaning to purchase an alternative, or spare, if I may.

Havaianas’ hottest designs as of date are its customized slippers. People are given the option to choose colors and they can put designs, accessories or whatever it is they want to do with their pair. I just wanted to keep it simple, something light. So I chose Top Havaianas Metallics. I know they’re kinda “so last year” but then again, I’m a firm believer that you need to wear the couture; not let couture wear you. Love the design, love the look, love how it feels, love that I won’t have to pay for it till next month. (--,)

She’s Alive

She’s alive!!! Got our laptop back, finally. Waited for like three weeks or less methinks. But it’s okay. They had to replace her motherboard which is probably the worst case scenario for all us laptop owners. No worries, it’s Mum’s, so it’s her problem. Hehehe. Actually, she was more excited than me when she found out that it was all ready for pick up. Now, she’s hogging all the online time with her games and applications. Fine! It’s hers anyways. I’m just really happy that everything worked out well.

I missed lots of those “online good times” in that span of three weeks. Sure, I got to borrow my Tita’s laptop but I can only do so much with that. I can’t even write properly there probably because I ain’t used to it. Needs getting used to. No more complains. Like I said, I’m happy the laptop turned out fine. Mum can use it anytime and I won’t whine. At least, until I run out of my daily fix of Melinda Gordon. Hehe. Yes, that’s what I have been doing to entertain myself while I was living the life of a caveman. Still have lots of season two episodes to keep me company. Yeah!

A Vain Attempt

Well, I tried (did, actually) but apparently, I ain’t that ready to play the part of a soundtrack director. For the past month, July, I experimented on my entries. It’s so obvious…I went all Grey’s Anatomy episode titles and attempted to use songs as titles to my blogs. Simple, right? Yeah, tell that to my measly seven posts. I had lots of ideas that I wanted to write about but for some reason, I cannot find the appropriate song to accompany those thoughts. Yes, that sucks!

I’ve always thought it would be easy. I mean, there are millions and millions of song compositions. It’s as easy as one, two, three. How wrong I was! But, I still love my idea. July was my guinea pig for that idea. While I wanted the whole month to go through as planned, it didn’t. So, I ain’t completely abandoning the concept. I’ll still use songs for titles of my entries, but not to each and every article.

Oh, and I have another excuse for the pitiful amount of my posts: our laptop is in a coma for almost a month now so really, no means of writing! Hehe! That’s about it. It’s already August. How time sails.